Posts Tagged With: Luke & Mel

Midwinterfest is the country music weekender that took place in Torquay last weekend and by all accounts was a terrific few days of music. Organised by Alan West it’s already got a date for next year, that being 15th-17th January – so mark your diaries, nothing will keep me away from this one. Dart Radio were actually there interviewing and recording, and on Monday they broadcast a show that featured much of that footage, including the full Ward Thomas set. Don’t worry if you missed it because they uploaded the whole thing, in two parts to Soundcloud. At about 1 hour 40 minutes into part 1 the Ward Thomas set starts, and near the very start of second part you’ll hear the first of a few new Ward Thomas songs.

It doesn’t end there though, as David Steane was in attendance and recorded complete sets from Dexeter and Luke & Mel, which you can now watch. Thanks David! There’s even a collaboration with Luke & Mel at the end of the Dexeter set, so be sure to watch it all.

So that’s audio and video, what about pictures I hear you ask? Well that’s where super snapper Andy M Watson comes in, as he was the official photographer for the weekend and has very kindly allowed to use the following photos. You can see the full albums over on his Facebook page, and he has a website on the way, so keep a look out for that.

Alan West at Midwinterfest 2014

Luke & Mel at Midwinterfest 2014

The Swing Commanders at Midwinterfest 2014

Dexeter at Midwinterfest 2014

Ags Connolly at Midwinterfest 2014

Ward Thomas at Midwinterfest 2014

Raintown at Midwinterfest 2014

Sunday Finale Midwinterfest 2014

This last photo is one I had to include to as well, as it highlights just how good a photographer Andy is. This photo of Deeanne from Dexeter has it all – great composition, sharp and catching the moment perfectlly. Remember to check out all the photos from the Midwinterfest weekend at Andy’s Facebook page.

Deeanne from Dexeter at Midwinterfest 2014

It all looks and sounds like the perfect weekend, especially when you realise it all takes place in a hotel, which you can stay in. So you can have 3 days of music, eating and drinking, without setting foot outside, if you so desire. Keep an eye on the official website for more details of next year’s line-up and booking details.

Like this:

Luke Thomas I knew from his gig playing guitar with Gary Quinn at Country To Country last year, but Melanie Greggain is someone I didn’t know until her gorgeous voice heralded the start of Don’t Cry (Because It’s Over), the first track from Luke & Mel’s self titled debut EP. This opening track combines the country staple of a past relationship, but with a positive spin of good memories rather than sadness. Mel’s vocals are smooth and delicate, with just the right amount of emotion to keep it upbeat. Luke’s harmonies add a great depth to the chorus, and his guitar playing compliments the vocals perfectly. Written by themselves, this kind of acoustic track will always appeal to me, and is a fitting way to start.

The next three songs are co-written with Matt Greaves and Ann Bailey, who you may recognise from their writing credits on last year’s exceptional From Where We Stand by Ward Thomas. Somethin’ about a Woman has a definite air of Lady Antebellum, back when they were good, and manages to keep the soulful sound of Luke & Mel, but with a contemporary feel. This really is country music 101 about a man cheating on a woman, and is very catchy. While Don’t Cry I imagine being played in a small dimly let room, I see Somethin’ about a Woman being played on a big open air stage.

It’s back to the more ballad driven and acoustic, and for me better, sound for Never Greener. This is a song about reaching a point in a relationship where, in this case, the guy wants something different. It’s always the guy that gets the bad rap in songs, but maybe that’s just reflective of how it actually is in real life – stats anyone? Much like Don’t Cry, this has Mel driven vocals, which I’m beginning to think every song from here on out, by anyone, should have. With Luke’s harmonies and guitars, there are some piano parts which add an extra layer to a contemplative song that will surely resonate with a lot of people.

We finish off with Enjoy the ride which features Luke taking the lead vocal – it’s as if they haven’t just read my request about Mel 😉 If I’m being honest, which I always am, then I do prefer Mel having the lion’s share of the vocals, and I think for my preferences, I’d like to see Luke take some of the twang out of his voice. I still like the song, which with Don’t Cry, bookends this EP with positivity and a reminder to cherish and enjoy every moment.

On its launch Luke & Mel’s debut EP was only pipped to the number 1 spot on the iTunes Country Music chart by Dolly Parton and I can see why it charted so highly. I’ve listened to it 6 times today and am left wanting two things: to see Luke & Mel perform live, and to hear more of their songs. Luke and Mel are a winning combination musically and creatively, and I’m sure this is just the start on the road to success. You can get a physical copy of their EP from their website or you can download it on iTunes.